Zusha

A New York-based Jewish-American trio, Zusha merges folk, soul, rock, and reggae with the ancient Hasidic nigunim vocal traditions. The group took shape in Manhattan during 2013 when ex-JudaBlue vocalist Shlomo Gaisin joined forces with guitarist Zachariah Goldschmiedt and drummer Elisha Mlotek. Through the Brooklyn-based creative collective Mason Jar Music, they issued their self-titled debut EP toward the end of 2014; the recording climbed to number nine on Billboard’s World Albums chart. Onstage, Zusha move between conventional rock rooms such as the Bowery Ballroom and the Knitting Factory and appearances at Jewish centers and festivals, where they deliver Purim and Havdalah programs. Their debut full-length album, Kavana, arrived in January 2016 and entered the World Albums chart at number two.